Remembering baby Darragh: Limerick tractor run for late two-year-old to take place

Reporter:

Donal O'Regan

27 Apr 2018

0

The mum and dad of two-year-old Darragh O’Brien – Patrice and Donnacha – who started the Doon vintage tractor run in memory of their son Picture: Dave Gaynor

DARRAGH’S Tractor Run and family fun day had to be cancelled last year due to a family bereavement but there was never a doubt that it would be back in 2018.

It takes place in Doon this Sunday, April 29. The day for Darragh is in memory of a two-year-old boy, who passed away suddenly in 2014.

Darragh O’Brien loved tractors and machinery. He would look out the window in Doon and he could recognise every one passing. He even educated his mum on the difference between a digger and an excavator.

His heartbroken parents – Patrice and Donnacha – organised the first tractor run and family fun day in 2015 to celebrate their beautiful son’s life.

An incredible €32,000 was raised for First Light — a charity that supports families after the sudden loss of a child. A second successful event took place in 2016. And now another great day has been planned for Sunday said Donnacha’s sister – Margaret Anne.

“Doon is the place to be as Darragh's Day is back for its third year! What better way to keep his memory alive than create a day of interests he enjoyed to benefit the local community - a vintage tractor run and family fun day,” said Margaret Anne.

Registration for the tractor run takes place from 10am to noon at Doon GAA field before they head off on a 20km round trip. All tractors must be pre-1988 to be considered 'vintage' for insurance purposes.

Back at base, the family fun day will kick off in Doon Community Centre from noon onwards with a host of fun filled activities including bouncy castles, face painting, sumo suits, zorb soccer, pedal tricycles, bake sales and much more.

There is no fee to take part in the tractor run. However, donation buckets will be available. Entry fee for the family fun day is €5 per child, adults are free. All funds will go to Bumbleance - children’s ambulance service and Sunflowers Montessori / Preschool in Doon.

In keeping with the family friendly theme Margaret Anne says if you own a dog, bring it along too.

“There will be a competition for the best-groomed dog on the day Entry fee for both large and small dog categories is just €5 with prizes for the winners. Come along and join in the fun whatever way you can for Darragh’s Day 2018!” said Margaret Anne.

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